Versions differ but Gormley stops short of calling Cowen a ‘liar’

GREEN Party leader John Gormley has strongly disputed Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s version of the fight which forced the end of the coalition.

The Environment Minister stopped short of branding the head of Government a liar and said his party would continue in coalition until March 11 to ensure the Finance Bill was passed.

Mr Gormley said he warned Mr Cowen in advance that his party would find it hard to support the appointment of five new ministers because it sent out all the wrong signals and would be the “final insult” for the Irish people.